Ella McCann’s maiden professional season is cruelly over before it has begun.
The striker, who last month signed with the Wellington Phoenix on a two-year scholarship deal, has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and will miss the 2024-25 A-League.
McCann suffered the injury in Bogotá on the eve of New Zealand’s opening match at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Her knee was in a brace and she used crutches as she watched New Zealand’s 7-0 defeat to Japan from the bench.
Phoenix head coach Paul Temple feels for McCann.
“I’m devastated for Ella,” Temple said. “It should be the most exciting time of her fledgling career.
“She’s just signed her maiden professional contract and should be testing herself against the best young footballers on the planet at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
“It’s cruel that this injury has happened now, but we’ll support Ella throughout her rehab and I’m sure she’ll come back stronger than ever in 2025.”
Ella McCann will remain with the New Zealand team for initial treatment before returning home.
Main image: Ella McCann in action for the Phoenix women’s reserves in their Kate Sheppard Cup quarter-final against Waterside Karori. Photo: Ryan Imray/Imray’s Snaps.
